THURROCK'S Mayor, Councillor Diane Revell, released a dove to signify freedom from incontinence at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals Trust as part of the hospital's Continence Awareness Week.

Two consultants released 11 other doves in a day themed Quality of Life'. The week aims to publicise the help that is available to people with bowel or bladder conditions as well as increase the public's knowledge of continence problems.

"This is an extremely important event.

"Incontinence is something that everybody finds embarrassing. This awareness week is already helping to inform people that there are solutions to this problem," said the Mayor.

A white ribbon was cut by the Mayor to symbolise the start of the awareness week and the opening of an information stand held in the outpatients department offering advice on treatment and managing the condition.